Valve mechanism.



L. ILLMER, JR. & E. J. KUNZE. VALVE MECHANISM. APPLIoATIoN FILED Nov. 17, 1904.

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VALVE MBCHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED Nov.1v, 1904.

909,304. Patented Jan. 12,'1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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L. ILLMER, 1TB. & E. J. KUNZE.

VALVE MECHANISM. APPLIOATION FILED 11017.17, 1904.

909,304. Patented Jan. 12, 1909.

3 SHEETS-SHEETS.

'narran srariis 'earner LOUIS ILLMER, IR., AND EDWARD J. KUNZE, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNORS OF FIVE-TENTHS TO SAID ILLMER, JR., FOUR-TENTI-IS TO SAID BOHRER.

KUNZE. AND ONE-TENTH TO WALTER VALVE LEECHANIS'M.

Patented Jan. 12, 1909.

Application filed November 17, 1904. Serial No. 233,127.

To all whom it 'may concern:

Be it known that we, Louis ILLMER, J r., and EDWARD J. KUNZE, both citizens of the United States, and residents of the city oi New York, borough of Manhattan, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Valve Mechanism, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

Our present invention relates to certain improvements in means for operating valves by fluid pressure. It is especially intended for use in connection with internal combustion engines, but it is applicable to other uses, as will fully appear hereinafter to persons skilled in the art.

Primarily the object of the invention is to provide a fully controllable means for imparting to the valve or valves rapid and certain movement terminating quickly yet without knocks or jars, and this at a minimum expenditure of energy.

Reference is had to the accompanying drawings which illustrate as examples various forms oi our invention, in which drawings like characters of reference indicate like parts in the several views, and in which- Figure 1 is a one-half longitudinal section of a valve and housing, the valve sliding longitudinally of a piston or other rod and having our improved operating mechanism applied thereto; Fig. 2 is a one-half outer end elevation of the parts shown in Fig. l Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing a valve and its operating means, and also illustrating devices for controlling the compression which we employ to check the valve movement at or near the end of its stroke, or at any other point along its travel, as may be desired.

In Figs. l and 2 only one-half of the structure is illustrated, the structure being divided on the broken line X of these views, and it will be understood that the parts omitted are identical with those illustrated.

10 indicates a rod which, in the event that the invention is applied to an internal combustion engine, may be taken to be the piston rod, and ll the valve which in the present instance is shown as annular in form and encircling the piston rod.

12 indicates the valve housing which has an outer or main wall connected at its outer edge by a web 14 to an inner tubular wall or sleeve l5. Said sleeve has a pocket 15*L in its outer portion, in which is fitted a stuffing box 16, carrying packing 17 for the rod 10 and a gland I8. The valve ll has a tubular stem 19 loosely inclosing but not actually contacting with the rod. This stem is slidably 'litted in the inner part ib of the sleeve 15, a tight connection being effected by a packing 20, which has against it, as shown. By .removing the sturhng box 16 the gland 2l may be reached and adjusted whenever desired. The valve l l carries a tubular skirt 22, which 'lits loosely over the inner extremity of the sleeve l5 and moves with the valve, this skirt serving to maintain as nearly as possible a uniform passage for the air and gas or other working fluid through the housing 12. The broken lines 23 in Fig. l and the full lines in Fig. 2 indicate an orifice in the outer or main walls of the housing through which said luid is introduced.

Formed integral with or 'fastened to the housing, one at the upper and one at the lower side thereof, are a plurality of cylinders 24, one of vwhich is illustrated in the drawings. We prefer to provide a plurality of cylinders distributed equidistant around the housing so as to equalize the valve operating strains. This, however, is not essential to our invention, and one cylinder may be employed if desired. In each cylinder 24 a valve-actuating piston 25 is arranged, these pistons having rods 26 attached thereto which pass through stunning boxes 27 in the inner heads of the cylinders and through the valve-housings, as shown, the inner ends oi' the rods being -fastened by any desired means to the outer side of the valve 11. Movement oi the actuating piston 25 back and 'forth in the cylinder 24 will, by this direct mechanical connection, actuate the valve. The piston 25 is provided with two ports 2S therein. These ports are in line with each other longitudinally of the piston, and extend from the middle portion of the piston respectively to and through the heads thereof so as to open at the ends of the piston. The cylinder 24 is provided with two admission ports 29 and two exhaust ports 30. Of these ports the admission ports 29 are located nearer the middle of the cylinder, and in such position as to respectively register a gland 21 bearing `ton-surface.

with the piston-ports 28 when the piston is at vone end or the Aother of its stroke.

31 indicates an adjustable stop for positively limiting the leftward movement of the piston 25.

In Fig. 1 it will be seen that the piston is shown at the end of its outward or rightward stroke, in which case the right-hand admission-port 29 registers with the right-hand piston-port 28. It may also be seen from this view that when thepiston 25 is atthe end of its outward stroke, the inner end or head f of. the piston. clears i the V.inner exhaustport v30, the inner admission-port 29 being blanked bytheimperforate .partof the pisk In lthis position motive-fluid will be admitted into the right-hand endof the cylinder 24, causing the actuating-piston t0 movelfinwa'rdxor leftward Iand beginning the opening movement ofthe vxalvell. After the innerend of the piston 25 passesthe innerexhaust-port 30. compression begins in ythe inner( endof the cylinder`24, ythis compression resisting the inward movement of the'piston and gradually increasing until it retards or arrests the movement ofthe piston. YByproper proportionment of the lareas and by deviceswhich will be hereinafter described, this compression may be regulated and controlled so as to bring the valve to rest at anydesiredpoint. When the piston 25 reaches .its lfleftward position and the yvalve 11 is opened, or shortly before this time, the left-hand port 28 registers withthe left-hand exhaust-port 30 .and compression is'relieved at the left-handl side of the actuator-piston. The compressed air on' the otheriside of the piston isstill active, however, andthe piston and valveare thus held at their new positions, essentially as explained in our `co-pending application, Serial No. 213,815. At the end of this lleftmovement of the piston, the piston will be a position reverse tothat shown in the drawings, and upon supplying pressure through the inner or left-hand yadmissionort 29 a return movement ofthe piston will rlegin, followed by compression at the right-- ther movement of the ,piston leftward Awill be under theexpansive action of the compressed fluid employed, this, eXpanSiQn Continuing the piston movement until the :compression yatthe other end suiiiciently retards or actually @treats the .piston This arrangement af the parte .2.8 enables the supply of .fluid pressure yt@ benut .Off `by the Zin@'ir-errent 0f .the YPiston,.1lt'bnlf., ,contradistsgushed ,from

tion of those means but upon the position of the piston itself.

.Each cylinder 2l4`is provided with a casing 32 containing a pilot valve for controlling the fluid movement inthe ports 29 and 30. This valve, as here shown, `comprises two `piston-like parts 33 connected by aspacer 34. 3.5 indicates a stem through which the movements are imparted to the pilot valve. rlhe casing 82 has an opening 36 communieating with the fluid pressure supply, and with two openings `37 adapted to carry off the exhaust, the opening 36 being looatedin the middleportion ofthe casing `32, and the exhaust openings 37 respectively at its ends. `V\ hen the pilot valve is in its rightward position corresponding to -the rightward position ofthe actuating piston, as Fig. 1 ilhstrates, the outer or right hand exhaust port 30 will be blanked by the valve and the pressure supply port 3.6 will be placed in communication with the outer or right hand admission port 29 of the cylinder 24. 'lhe kparts being in this position, the above described rightward lor inward movement of the actuating piston will take place, and the piston will be brought to rest bythe compression as .before described. The piston will then remain inactive until the `pilot valve is shifted, uncovering .the right hand exhaust port 30 and the left-hand or inner admission port/29. Fluid pressure will then beadmitted in the lefthand or inner end of the Cylinder 24 and the actuating piston will be returned to the yposition shown in the drawings. It will be observed, therefore, that upon each change in the position `of the pilot valve amovemellt of the actuating piston 25 and the attached valve 11 is ,brought about, the parts 25 and 11 remaining in the new position until a second change in the position of the pilot valve.

` arious means may ,be employed for actuating the pilot valve. rlfhis will depend largely u Aon the use to which the invention is put. lh applying the invention to an internal combustion engine we yprefer to actuate the pilot valve or valves by means of cams connected to the engine cross head. One of these cams is indicated by the broken linesl38in Eig. 2, and said cams are adapted to actuate elbow levers 39, the elbow levers 3,9,h`aving suitable connection with the stems 35 before described.

In l? ig. 3 ythe invention is .illustrated as ap pliedtoa yalve 1,1 a, there .shownas a puppet valve. This may be assumed to be ,a

valve in a mechanism of any sort. In said iigure, 25a indicates the actuating piston, and 34"L the pilot valve, both of which are essentially the same as the parts before described and operate respectively in a cylinder 24a and casing 32a, also essentially the same as those described. W ith this arrangement the valve 11aL is connected to the actuating piston by a rod-like stem 19a, as shown. f he pilot valve in 'this construction may be operated by any suitable or desired means connected with its stem.

We have before described the operation of the actuating piston and its retardment or actual arrest by compression developed at the end opposite the end on which the fluid pressure is being exerted. Various means may be employed for controlling or varying this compression. According to the example given in Fig. 3, we provide two auxiliary clearance spaces 40, preferably in the form of chambers cast in the walls of the cylinder 24a. 'lhese chambers 40 are respectively in connection with the ends of the cylinder 24L by means of pipes 41 provided with valves 42 for throttling the lipid movement. Each arxiliary clearance space or chamber 40 is also provided with a valve 43, by means of which the chambers may be vented to facilitate starting the movement of the actuating piston. By the operation of the throttling valves 42 the flow of the fluid during this compression into the auxiliary chambers 40 may be increased or diminished at will, and in this manner the resistance offered to the movement of the actuating piston by the com ression in the cylinder 24L may be regulate( exactly, thus causing the actuating piston to operate precisely as desired. 1n order to prevent the compression pressure referred to from rising too high we provide each end of the actuating cylinder 24'LL with a passage 44, these passages leading to the pressure-supply and being controlled by check-valves 45 opening outward from the cylinder 24"`-. With this arrangement, excessive pressure developed by the compression in the cylinder 24 will be vented into the pressure-supply. It not only limits the pressure of compression, but automatically adjrsts or regulates this pressure in such a way that when the pressure in the air-supply drops, the compression-pressure will be correspondingly reduced or conversely, when the pressure-supply goes up, the compressionpressure goes up in the same proportion and so adjusts the compression automatically to suit variations in the pressure-supply. 'l he passages 44 need not necessarily lead to the pressure-supply. They may be arranged to exhaust into the atmosphere, and in this event by properly adjusting the springs back of the valves 45, said valves may be made to automatically limit the compression-pressure to any desired degree, thus furnishing another means for controlling the resistance offered by compression to the movement of the actuating piston.

lf desired, instead of providing the chambers 40 and valves 42, the ends of the cylinder 24 or 24a may be placed in communication with chambers having movable Walls backed by yielding elements or by the compressed air supply or by a combination of the two, these devices forming variable clearance spaces, which automatically enlarge or contract, according to the compression-pressure in the cylinder 24 or 24, these devices taking the place of said chambers 40 in regulating, adjusting or controlling said compressionpressure.

By the devices herein described we are enabled instantly to bring to bear on the valve a forceful actuating pressure, moving the valve quickly over its stroke and arresting the valve promptly yet without knocks or jars, and this result is attained by less mechanism and with the expenditure of less energy than devices heretofore devised.

Having thus described the preferred form of our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

1. ln a valve mechanism, the combination with a valve, of a cylinder having admission and exhaust ports located intermediate its ends, a double acting actuator piston in the cylinder having ports extending from its heads inward to the side of the piston at a point intermediate its heads, means for controlling fluid pressure movements in the ports of the cylinder, and means establishing a connection between the actuator piston and the valve.

2. In a valve mechanism, the combination with a valve, of a cylinder having admission and exhaust ports intermediate its ends, a double acting actuator piston in the cylinder, the piston having ports extending from its heads inward to the side of the piston intermediate the heads, a pilot valve and casing adapted to control the fluid movement through the admission and exhaust ports of the cylinder, and means establishing a connection between the actuator piston and valve.

3. In a valve mechanism, the combination with a valve, of a cylinder having an admission and an exhaust port adjacent to each end thereof, a double acting actuator piston in the cylinder having two ports leading respectively from the piston heads to the side of the piston at points intermediate the heads thereof, the ports of the piston being adapted respectively to register with the admission ports of the cylinder, a means for controlling fluid movement through the ports of the cylinder, and a means establishing connection between the actuator piston and valve.

4. In a valve mechanism, the combination with a valve, of a cylinder having an admis- :sion-and an exhaust i. port adjacent Lto feach end thereof ai doublefacting actuator f piston in the cylinder having two ports'leading re- -spectively .from-the piston heads to Jthef side ymission ports of the cylinder, a pilot valve and casing, the latter communicating with the ports of the'cylinder yandthe former bevingadapted yalternately to uncover .the admissionports of the cylinder and the exhaust ports respectively `opposed thereto, v:and a means .establishing connection vbetween the `actuator l inward tothe side of the piston'interm'ediate piston andthe valve.

5. A valve mechanism comprising the combination with a valve, of a cylinderhaving admission and. exhaust ports respectively adjacent toits ends, a double'acting actuator piston in the cylinder, the piston having ports leading from its heads inward to the side 'of the pistony at .points intermediate `its ends, .the ports of the-piston being adapted respectively to register with the `admission ports of the cylinder, a valve casing communicating with the cylinderports andhaving an intermediately situate pressure supply port and exhaust ports at opposite sides thereof, a pilot valve operating Within the casing and comprising two piston'valve parts connected by a lreduced distance piece or spacer, the saidpiston .valve parts coacting respectively .with the l admission and` exhaust ports at=the cylinder end portions and being adapted alternately to uncover the admissionports and the exhaust ports respectively opposed thereto, and a means establishing corlmection between the actuator piston and va ve.

6. Avalve mechanism comprising the combination witha valve, of a cylinder `having two admission ports located intermediate of butrespectively adjacent to its ends,'the cylinder also having exhaust ports respectively adjacent to its ends, a double acting actuator piston in the cylinder, the piston having ports leading respectively from its heads `to the side of the piston at points intermediate its ends, the ports of the piston Abeing adapted respectively to register with the admission ports of the cylinder, a means controlling fluid movement through the cylinder admission ports, and means establishing a connection 'between the actuator piston and the valve.

7. The combination of a cylinder having two admission ports located intermediate of but respectively adjacent yto 'its ends, the cylinder also having exhaust ports respectively adjacent to its end portions, a double acting piston operating in -the cylinder and having ports ztherein leading "from its ends or heads inward to the Vside of the piston intermediate its fends, the Apistonports registering 'with the Ycylinder admission por-ts corre- Ysponding thereto alternately Y as -the piston approaches its ends offtravel, `and thepiston alternately lmoving its ends past the exhaust ports corresponding thereto as 4the piston approaches its end'of travel, and 'means controlling fluid movement through the cylinder yadmission ports.

`S. The combination of a cylinder having two admission ports located intermediate of lbut respectivelyvadjacent to its ends, the cyl- -inder also having exhaust portsrespectively adjacent to its end portions, 1a doub e acting 'piston operating in the cylinder 'and f having por-ts thereinleading 'from'its ends for heads its ends, the piston portsregistering with the cylinder admission ports corresponding thereto alternately as 'the piston approaches its ends of travel, andthe piston alternately moving its ends past the exhaust ports'corsponding thereto as the piston approaches its end of travel, means controlling fluid movevment through the cylinder-admission ports,

a valve, and vmeans establishing a connection betweenlthe valve and piston to actuate the former from the-latter.

9. The combination of 'a cylinderhaving two vadmission ports located intermediate of but respectively adjacent to its ends, the cylinder also havingexhaust ports respectively adj acentfto-its end portions, a double acting piston operating in the cylinder and having ports therein leading from itsends or heads inward to the side of the piston intermediate its ends, the piston ports registering with the cylinder admission ports corresponding thereto alternately as the piston approaches its ends of travel, and the piston alternately moving'itsends past the exhaust ports corresp'onding'thereto as the piston approaches its end of travel, and means-controlling fluid movement through the cylinder admission ports, comprisinga pilot valve having two piston-like end parts connected by a reduced intermediate part, anda casing in which the valve operates, the casing having a pressure supply gport communicating with the space between `the said end part of the pilot valve, and said yvalve serving alternately to uncover thecylinder admission ports and the exhaust ports o posed thereto.

l0. The com ination of a cylinder, a piston therein, a means for lexerting a fluid pressure on one side of the piston and for developing a fluid compression on the other side of 'the piston, a means adapted to establish communication between said other side of the piston and the source of iluid pressure, and a yieldingly seated checkvalve commanding said communication and opening toward thev source of .fluid'pressura 1'1. The vcombination of a cylinder, apist'on "therein, "means for exerting a fluid 'pressure 4on 'one side of the piston and for developing va fluid lcompression `on the other 'side of the piston, a means adapted to establish communication between said other side oi the piston and the source ci huid pressure, and an automatic device normally closing said communication and opening` upon the development oi a predetermined compression.

12. The combination oi a cylinder, a piston, devices for exerting a fluid pressure on one side ofthe piston to move the piston in one direction, and for developing a fluid compression resistingthe piston movement, a means adapted to establish communication between the source o'i iluid pressure and said fluid compression, and a device normally closing said communication and opening` upon the development of a predetermined compression.

13. r[he combination of a cylinder, an actuator piston therein, means Jfor admitting and exhausting pressure to and 'from the cylinder to move the piston and develop a iiuid cushion to bring the piston to rest, additional means adapted to establish communication between the parts of the cylinder in which the fluid cushion is developed and the source of iluid pressure, and an automatic device controlling said communication and opening upon the said cushion reaching a pre-determined pressure.

14. The' combination of a cylinder, an actuator piston therein, means for admitting and exhausting pressure to and from the cylinder to move the piston and develop a fluid cushion to bring the piston to rest, additional means adapted to establish communication between the part oi the cylinder in which the iiuid cushion is developed andthe source oi i'luid pressure, and an automatic device controlling said communication and opening upon the said cushion reaching a predetermined pressure.

15. rlhe combination of a cylinder, an actuator piston therein, means for admitting and exhausting pressure to and from the cylinder to move the piston and develop a fluid cushion to bring the piston to rest, additional means ada )ted to establish communication between the part of the cylinder in which the iluid cushion is developed and the source of fluid pressure, an automatic device controlling said communication and opening upon the said cushion reaching a predetermined pressure, and walls forming an auxiliary chamber communicating with the part oi the cylinder in which the cushion is formed.

16. rIhe combination of a cylinder, an actuator iston therein, means 'for admitting and ex iausting pressure to and Jfrom the cylinder to move the piston and develop a iiuid cushion to bring the piston to rest, additional means adapted to establish coinniunication between the part oi the cylinder in which the iluid cushion is developed and the source of fluid pressure, an automatic device controlling said communication and opening upon the said cushion reaching a predetermined pressure, walls forming an auxiliary chamber communicating with the part of the cylinder in which the cushion is formed, and means controlling said communication between the said auxiliary chamber and the cylinder.

17. The combination of a piston rod, a valve surrounding the same, a valve housing through Which the rod passes, a valve stem mounted in the housing to sustain the valve by the housing, and Afluid pressure operated devices carried by the housing and having connection with the valve to operate the same.

18. The combination of a piston rod a valve housing through which the rod passes, a valve encircling the rod and sustained by the housing, and fluid pressure operating devices also sustained by the housing for actuating the valve.

19. 'lhs combination of a piston rod a valve housing through which the rod passes, a valve, a valve stem mounted in the housing the valve and stem encirclingthe piston rod, a fluid pressure actuated means sustained by the housing, and a connection between the valve and said means to operate the valve.

20. rlfhe combination of a rod, a valve encircling the same, a valve housing, fluid pressure actuated means sustained by the housing, and a connection between said means and the valve.

21. The combination of a rod, a valve encircling the same, a tubular valve stem also encircling the rod, a valve housing in which the valve is mounted, iluid pressure actuated devices sustained by the housing, and a connection between said devices and the valve.

22. The combination of a rod, a valve encircling the same, a tubular valve stem also encircling the rod, a valve housing having an outer and inner shell, the housing encircling the rod, and the valve-stem being mounted in the inner shell of the housing, means attached to the housing 'for operating the valve, and a connection between the said means and the valve, the connection extending between the inner and outer shells orn the housing.

23. The combination of a rod, a valve encircling the same, a tubular valve-stem also encircling the rod, a housing encircling the rod and comprising an inner and outer shell, a aching acting between the inner shell an( the rod, the valve-stem o erating in the inner shell, a packing acting etween the valve-stem and the said inner shell, a means for operating the valve, and a rod @Hur/@ties the', valve4 with, Said, mealr'isrand n, extending i between the," housing Fand j., the

i' shells thereof.

24f'1fhe 'combination 4 of a cylinder, a double-acting piston operating ther`ein,'and

ymeans forbringing about a reciprocation of thepiston by huid-pressure, said means including devices for developing an increasing lfluid-compression resisting each movement of the piston and for relieving said compression at or near the time when the piston has vbeenvbrought to` rest.

25. Ina valvel mechanism the combina- .tion with the valve, of a cylinder, a doubleacting piston inthe cylinder, a connection between the piston and valve, and means for bringingabout the reciprocation of the piston by huid-pressure, said means including dev,vices for developingvan increasing fluid compression `resisting each movement of the pis- Atonv and for relieving said compression at or i near the time vwhen the piston has been I brought to rest.

v26. The combination of a rod, a valve encircling the same, a tubular valve-stein also encircling ythe rod, a housingl encircling the,

rod andcomprising an inner and outer shell, .apackingacting between Ithe inner shell. and the rod, the valve-stem operating in -the Vinner shell, a packing acting between the valvestemand said inner shell, a means for operat-f ing the valve, and a rod connecting the valve v with saidmmeans and extending betweenthe housing and the shells thereof, the said Ak y yeden and sustained by the housing.

means for operating the valve being mount- 27. rlhe combination of a valve, an actuator piston, a mechanical connection between y the valveandl piston, a casing 1n which the piston. works, said piston having ports leadking from its heads inward to the sides of the jpiston and the casing having near each end l an admissionand exhaust port, the ports of the piston being adapted under certain piston positions to register with the adjacent adl mission and exhaust ports of the casing, and

means for .controllingthe fluid movement l through the casing ports, said ports acting to oppose to the movement of the valve and piston ya fiuid compression to bring the valve andl piston to rest.

.28. The combination of a valve, an actuuator piston, a mechanical connection be- `r tween thevalve and piston, a casing in which the piston works', said piston having ports leading from its heads inward to the sides of the piston and the: casing havingnear each .end an admission and exhaust port, the ports .lof the Vpistonbeing adapted under certain piston positions tov register with the adjacent fpm-@i011'whenithe ,valve and. piston are brought to rest.

29; vrIfhe combination ofy a valve, an actu- ,ator piston, va connection between the valve and piston, a casing in whichthe p iston operates, the casing having near each end admisvsion and exhaust ports, and the piston having a port ineach en d the ports running to the side of the piston, and said piston ports registering with the two casing ports respectively adjacent when the piston is in its end positions, and a means controlling fluid movement through the casing ports whereby a fluid cushion is opposed to the movementV of the piston and valve to check said movement.

30. The combination of avalve, an actuator piston, a connection between the valve and piston, a casing in which the piston operates, the casing having near each end admission and exhaust ports, and the piston having a port in each end the ports running Ato the side of the piston, and said piston ports registering with the two casing ports vrespectively adjacent when the piston is in its vrend position,l and a means controlling yfluid movement through the casing i, ports whereby afluid cushion is opposed to the movement of the piston and valve to chock saidv movement,v and said means controlling Huid movement acting to uncover the casing exhaust ports when the corresponding piston ports register therewith, whereby to relieve said cushion when the valve has been brought to rest. i

31. The combination of an actuator piston, a casing in which the piston operates, the casing having near each end admission and exhaust ports, and the piston having a port in each end the ports running to the side of the piston, and said piston ports registering with the two casing ports respectively adjacent when the piston is in its end positions, a means controlling fiuid movement through the casing' ports whereby a fluid cushion is opposed to the movement of the piston and valve to check said movement, a valve, and a mechanical connection between the valve and piston.

32. The combination of an actuator piston, a casing in which the piston operates, the casing having near each end admission and exhaustl ports, and the piston having a port in each end the ports running to the side of the piston, and said piston ports registering with the two casing ports respectively adjacent when the piston is in its end position, a means controlling fluid movement through the casing ports whereby a Huid cushion is opposed to the movement of the piston and valve Yto check said vmovement, and said means controlling fluid movement acting to uncoverA the Vcasing exhaust ports :when the corresponding piston ports register therewith, whereby to relieve said cushion .when the valve has been brought to rest, avalve, and a mechanical connection between the valve and piston.

33. The combination of a piston rod, a valve encircling the saine, an actuator piston,

. a mechanical connection between the piston and valve, a casing in which the piston operates, the casing having admission and eX- haust ports near each end, and the piston having a portin each end running to the side of the piston and adapted to register respectively with the casing ports adjacent, and means controlling iiuid movement through the casing ports.

34. rlhe combination of a piston rod, a valve encircling the same, an actuator piston, a mechanical connection between the piston and valve, a casing in which the piston operates, the casing having admission and exhaust ports near each end, and the piston having a port in each end running to the side of the piston and adapted to register respectively with the casing ports adjacent, means controlling` fluid movement through the casing ports, and a valve housing through which the piston rod passes, said housing supporting the said casing.

The combination of a piston rod, a valve encircling the saine, an actuator' piston, a mechanical connection between the piston and valve, a casing in which the piston operates, the casing having admission and exhaust ports near each end, and the piston having a port in each end running to the side of the piston and adapted to register respectively with the casing ports adjacent, and means controlling fluid movement through the casing ports, the piston ports being arranged to register' with the casing admission and exhaust ports respectively adj acent when the piston is in its end positions, and the said means controlling iiuid movement being arranged to uncover the casing exhaust ports when they are in registry with the piston ports whereby to oppose a 'lluid cushion to the movement oi the piston and valve and to relieve the cushion when said parts have been brought to rest.

36. rIhe combination of a piston rod, a circular valve surrounding the same, a valve housing through which the rod runs and in which the valve is arranged, a'cylinder supported by the housing, an actuator piston in the cylinder, a rod connecting the piston and valve, the rod passingI through the housing, and means controlling the application of Vlluid pressure to the piston to operate the valve.

37. The combination of a piston rod, a circular valve surrounding the same, a valve housing through vhich the rod runs and in which the valve is arranged, a cylinder supf ported by the housing, an actuator piston in the cylinder, a rod connecting the piston and valve, the rod passing through the housing, andy means lcontrolling the application oi fluid pressure to the piston to operate the valve, the piston and casing being ported and coacting with said means controlling the application of lluid pressure whereby to oppose a fluid cushion to the piston movement to bring the piston and valve to rest and to relieve s'aid cushion when the valve has been brought to rest.

3S. The combination of a piston rod, a valve housing inclosing the same, a circular valve surrounding the piston rod, a tubular valve stem loosely inclosing the piston rod, and mounted and sustained in the housing, and means for operating the valve.

39. The combination ot a piston rod, a valve housing inclosing the same and comprising inner and outer tubular walls connected by a web, a circular valve surrounding the rod, a tubular valve stem loosely inclosing the rod, and iitted and sustained in the inner wall ot the housing, and means tor operating the valve.

40. The combination ot a piston rod, a valve housing inclosing the same and coinprising inner and outer tubular Walls connected by a web, a circular valve surrounding the rod, a tubular valve stein loosely inclosing the rod, and fitted and sustained in the inner wall of the housing, and means for operating the valve, the means for operating the valve including a rod extending through the housing between its walls.

4l. rI'he combination of a piston rod, a valve housing inclosing the same and coniprising inner and outer tubular walls connected by a web a circular valve surrounding the rod, a tubular valve stem loosely inclosing the rod, and fitted and sustained in the inner wall ot' the housing, means for operating the valve, and a packing acting between the rod and the inner housing wall at a point outward from the valve stem.

42. rllhe combination of a rod, a valve housinginclosing the same, a valve surrounding the rod but out of contact therewith, and a tubular valve stem also surrounding the rod out of contact therewith and engaged with the housing to sustain the valve and stem independently of the rod.

43. The combination of ya rod, a valve housing inclosing the same and having inner and outer tubular walls, a valve commanding the passage within the walls of the housing and loosely surrounding the rod, and a tubular valve stem loosely surrounding the rod and engaged with the inner tubular walls of the housing to sustain the valve and stem independently of the rod.

44. The combination of a rod, a valve housing inclosing the same and having inner l and outer tubular walls, a valve commanding the passage between the walls of the housing and loosely surrounding the rod, a tubular valve stem loosely surrounding the rod and engaged with the inner tubular wall of the housing to sustain the valve and stem independently of the rod, said stem being tted within said inner wall, and a skirt connected with the valve and loosely surrounding the adjacent end of the said inner wall, for the purpose specified.

45. The combination of a rod, a valve housing inclosing the same and having inner and outer tubular walls, a valve commanding the passage within the walls of the housing and loosely surrounding the rod, a tubular valve stem loosely surrounding the rod and engaged with the inner tubular Walls of the housing to sustain the valve and stem independently of the rod, said stem being iitted within said inner wall, a packing acting between the wall and stem, and a packing acting between the said wall and the rod at the end of' the wall'opposite the valve, the second packing being removable to give access to the first packing.

46. The combination of a reciprocal rod, a valve housing surrounding the same, a cylinder juxtaposed to the housing, an actuator piston in the cylinder, a valve, a mechanical connection between the `iston and valve, and means controlling t e application of iiuid pressure to the piston.

47. The combination of a reciprocal rod, a valve housing surrounding the same, a cylinder juxtaposed to the housing, an actuator piston in the cylinder, a valve, a mechanical connection between the piston and valve, and means controlling the application of Huid pressure to the piston, said means including an operating element moving in synchronism with the rod.

48. The combination of a reciprocal rod, a valve housing surrounding the same, a cylinder sustained by the housing, an actuator piston in the cylinder, a valve, a mechanical connection between the piston and valve, and means controlling the application of fluid pressure to the piston. v

49. The combination of a reciprocal rod, a housing surrounding the rod, a valve coacting with the housing and surroundingv the rod, a cylinder attached to the housing, a piston in the cylinder, a rod connected to the piston and valve to actuate the latterfrom the former, and means controlling the application of pressure to the piston to operate the same. f l

50. The combination of a reciprocal rod, a housing surrounding the rod, a valve coacting with the housing land surrounding the rod, a cylinder attached to the housing, a piston in the cylinder, a rod connected to the piston and valve to actuate the latter from the former, and means controlling the application oi pressure to the piston to operate the same, said means including an actuating element moving in synchronism with the rod.

51. The combination of a reciprocal rod, a housing surrounding the rod, a valve coacting with the housing and surrounding the rod, a cylinder attached to the housing, a piston in the cylinder, a rod connected to the #piston and valve to actuate the latter from the former, and means controlling the application of pressure to the piston to operate the same, the valve and cylinder being located at opposite ends of the housing and the second named rod extending through the housing.

52. The combination of a reciprocal rod, a housing surrounding the same and having inner and outer tubular walls connected at one end by a web, a circular valve encircling the rod and coacting with the other end of the housing, a tubular stem loosely surrounding the rod and engaging the inner wall of the housing, a cylinder attached to the housing at the end opposite the valve, a piston in the cylinder, a rod attached to the valve and cylinder and extending through the housing between the two walls thereof, and means controlling the application of' fluid pressure to the piston.

53. The combination of a valve, an actuator member, a mechanical connection between the valve and member to move the valve from the member, means for exerting a force on the member to move it from one position to another, and means for exerting on the member an increasing opposing force during the exertion of the rst named force to bring the member gradually to rest, and for relieving said opposing force prior to the termination of the first force to hold the member in its new position.

54. The combination of a valve, an actui valve from the member, means for exerting fluid pressure on the member to move it from one position to another, and means for exerting on the member an increasing opposing iiuid pressure during the exertion of the first named fluid pressure to bring the member gradually to rest, and for relieving said opposing iiuid pressure prior to the termination of the first fluid pressure to hold the member in its new position.

5.5. The combination of a valve, an actuator member, a mechanical connection between t ie two to actuate the former from the latter, means for exerting on the actuator member a decreasing force to move the member from one position to another, and means for exerting on the member an increasing opposing force during the exertion of the first named force to bring the` member gradually to rest and for relieving said opposing force prior to the termination of the first named force to hold the member in its new position.

56. The combination of a valve, an actuator member, a mechanical connection between the two to actuate the former from the latter, means for exerting on the actuator member a decreasing iiuid pressure to move the member from one position to another, and means for exerting on the member an increasing opposing fluid pressure during the exertion ot' the )first named iiuid pressure to bring the member gradually to rest and for relieving said opposing huid pressure prior to the termination of the 'lirst named fluid pressure 'to hold the member in its new position.

57. rl`he combination of a valve, an actuator piston, a mechanical connection between the piston and the valve, said piston having a port in each end, the ports extending inward to the side of the piston intermediate its ends, a casing in which the piston operates, the casing having adjacent to each end admission and exhaust ports, and said piston being arranged to move its ends past the respective exhaust ports to uncover the same, and the ports in the piston being capable of registrT With both the admission and exhaust ports respectively adjacent thereto, and a pilot valve controlling huid movement through the casing ports whereby fluid pressure is exerted on the actuator piston to move it from one position to another, and simultaneously an increasing iiuid compression is opposed to the piston movement, said opposing luid pressure being relieved prior to the termination of the first named fluid pressure when the part in the end of the piston at which the compression exists registers with the corresponding casing exhaust port, thereby holding the actuator' piston and valve in the new position.

ln testimony whereof We have signed our names to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

LOUIS ILLMER, Jn. EDWARD J. KUNZE. "Nitnesses:

SQUIRE E. ROLFE, ANNA L. DRAKE. 

